California 2026 Election: A Guide to the 14 Statewide Propositions

Campaigns have already raised over $100 million as they prepare for a massive influx of advertising across television, digital platforms, and mail. These measures, placed on the ballot by both the state legislature and interest groups, will shape state policy on healthcare, fiscal spending, and election administration.

Housing and Infrastructure Bonds

Proposition 1, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, asks voters to approve an $11.25-billion bond to address the state’s housing shortage. According to the text of the measure, the funds are intended to support the construction of 40,000 affordable homes and preserve existing units. The bond includes $1.25 billion for veterans’ home loans, $1.15 billion for supportive housing for homeless individuals, $450 million for farmworker housing, $350 million for student housing, and $200 million for Native American tribes. Gov. Gavin Newsom supports the measure, stating it provides a path to community building and expanded housing access. However, Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) has criticized the naming of the bond, arguing it uses veterans as “bait” for a homeless housing measure.

Proposition 38 proposes an $8.4-billion bond for research into immunology and immunotherapy. Half of the funds would establish a research institute affiliated with the University of California, while the remainder would fund grants for other medical institutions. The measure requires that any drugs or technology developed using this funding be sold to California patients at a price at least 20% below the national average.

Tax Policy and State Spending

Several measures address California’s fiscal management and tax codes. Proposition 2, the Save for California’s Future Act, would allow lawmakers to exempt state savings deposits from the “Gann Limit,” a spending cap established in the 1970s. This would theoretically allow the state to save more money in rainy day funds rather than being required to refund excess revenue to taxpayers.

Proposition 3 seeks to make permanent an existing tax on high-income earners—specifically those making over $360,000 for single filers or $721,000 for joint filers—which is currently set to expire in 2031. The Legislative Analyst’s Office projects this would generate between $5 billion and $15 billion annually for schools and healthcare reserves.

Conversely, Propositions 40, 41, and 42 center on a proposed tax on billionaires. Proposition 40 would impose a 5% tax on assets over $1 billion. If either 41 or 42 receives more votes than Proposition 40, the wealth tax would be voided.

Election and Governance Reforms

Proposition 39 would mandate that Californians present government-issued identification at the polls. While supporters like Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego) argue this is necessary to secure elections, opponents including the American Civil Liberties Union contend that the current system is secure and that the requirement would create barriers for eligible voters. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates implementation costs could reach the low hundreds of millions of dollars.

Proposition 5 would alter recall elections, removing the current two-part voting process. Under the proposed amendment, voters would decide only if an official should be removed; they would not simultaneously vote for a replacement candidate. The recalled official would then be permitted to run in a subsequent special election to fill the vacancy.

Proposition 4 authorizes the use of public funds for political campaign financing, provided candidates adhere to specific expenditure limits and demonstrate broad public support.

Healthcare and Environmental Regulation

Summary of Ballot Measures